St. Louis Sidewalk Trip and Fall Injury Lawyer
Missouri attorneys seek damages for accidents on poorly maintained walkways
A sidewalk is designed to provide safe passage for pedestrians, but misuse, disrepair and neglect in maintenance can create hidden dangers. If you encountered a hazard that caused you to trip and fall, you might be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. At the Guirl Law Firm, we are prepared to investigate your accident to determine who is liable and then to build a compelling case for holding that party accountable. A St. Louis sidewalk trip and fall lawyer from our firm can help you recover the fair compensation you deserve.
How sidewalk injuries often happen
Pedestrians can trip or slip and fall on a city sidewalk for any of the following reasons:
- Uneven levels
- Protrusions in the surface
- Holes in the surface
- Debris
- Weather-related hazards, such as accumulated ice, sleet or snow
- Construction work that encroaches on the sidewalk
When a condition exists that could catch a reasonably alert pedestrian off guard, that stretch of sidewalk could be found to be unsafe. If someone is injured as a consequence, the person or entity responsible for the sidewalk’s upkeep could be held liable for damages.
Liability for injuries due to sidewalk accidents
In sidewalk trip and fall case, the liable party would be the person or entity that is responsible for:
- Regular inspection and maintenance of the sidewalk
- Keeping the pathway clear of debris, snow, ice and water accumulation
- Not engaging in conduct that would create a dangerous condition
The parties most likely to be liable are the city, the owners or occupiers of adjacent property and any person or entity that might have caused an unsafe condition. The injured party might also bear some responsibility if the hazard was open and obvious to a reasonably alert person.
Sidewalks on commercial property
Property owners, both commercial and residential, share responsibility with the city to maintain sidewalks. They should report problems to the city, such as tree roots pushing up the surface. Owners and occupiers of commercial property have a higher duty to make their adjacent public sidewalks safe for passerby. An even higher duty applies to shopping centers with internal walkways that are solely for the use of patrons.
Filing a lawsuit against the city
If the city is at fault for a sidewalk hazard, the rules for taking legal action are more complicated. The city government enjoys sovereign immunity, which means that an injured party must file a notice of claim within 90 days at the appropriate municipal department. You should consult a St. Louis slip and fall injury attorney to ensure you don’t miss the deadline or file the notice improperly.
Compensation available for sidewalk injury
Sidewalks are hard surfaces. An impact can cause dangerous head injury, broken bones and other severe harm. Victims of slip or trip and fall accidents are entitled to recover for all resulting losses, including:
- Present and future medical bills
- Present and future lost earnings
- Compensation for pain and suffering
As your legal advocates, we work to maximize the amount you can recover through settlement or trial.
Contact a dedicated St. Louis trip and fall lawyer for a free sidewalk injury consultation
The Guirl Law Firm represents people who have sustained injuries in sidewalk trip and fall accidents throughout Missouri. Please call 314-391-2585 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Our office is in St. Louis. If you cannot travel, attorney James Guirl can come to your home or medical facility.
